CQDs can act as sensors that detect pollutants at the molecular level.
Plastic bags could help detect toxic metals in drinking water. PIC/istock
Researchers in Indonesia have transformed plastic waste into glowing nanomaterials capable of sensing harmful substances in water. At the heart of this breakthrough are carbon quantum dots (CQDs) — nano particles that have a the ability to glow when exposed to ultraviolet light.
CQDs can act as sensors that detect pollutants at the molecular level. Until now, producing CQDs has often required expensive or toxic raw materials. The Indonesian team, however, used waste plastic bags as their starting point.
They combined modified pyrolysis with hydrothermal treatment, and with less than 7 per cent hydrogen peroxide, they transformed the polyethene into functional CQDs in just 10 hours. The most striking aspect of these plastic-derived CQDs is their ability to detect metals, particularly iron ions, in water.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
